The Fijian Drua team took a different preparatory approach when they visited patients at the National Rehabilitation Medicine Hospital in Tamavua, Suva yesterday.

Spinal injury patient Ema Monica, 62 could not hold back her tears when the players surrounded her bed and cheered her up.

“We only see these players on television and read about them in the newspapers. And when I saw them in person, I was overwhelmed,” Monica said.

“In this ward we are always lonely, lying here on our bed or in wheelchairs but having the Fijian Drua team with us, I thought I was dreaming,” she said.

Originally from the Solomon Islands, she was a cashier at Lako Tu Store in Nausori and lived in Caubati. It was in March when she fell on her left side which caused the injury.

“It was great seeing the Fijian team here. We were able to shake hands with them and got to know them,” she said.

National Rehabilitation Medicine Hospital consultant Dr Pratima Singh said this was the first time a national rugby team has paid a visit to the hospital.

“We are glad and grateful for the visit,” Dr Singh said.

Naitasiri lock Ben Sadrugu told SUNsports the visit boosted their morale ahead of the 2017 Australia National Rugby Championship which kicks off next week in Brisbane.

“We are fortunate and grateful to be part in the visit which was quite motivational for all of us,” Sadrugu said.

“It was also a learning experience looking at the way patients going through rehab process.

“Some of their stories really touched our hearts. Definitely we will not let them down in this NRC campaign.”

The final 26 squad will be named today. The team departs for Brisbane next Wednesday. The Fijian Drua plays Brisbane City at Ballymore Stadium on September 2 and Melbourne Rising on September 9 at the Harlequins Oval in Melbourne.

The Fijians will then play their first home game on September 16 when they host NSW Country Eagles at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka.

The other teams to make the trip to Fiji this year will be defending NRC champions Perth Spirit in Round 4 at the ANZ Stadium, Suva on September 23, Queensland Country on October 21 at Churchill Park, Lautoka and the Sydney Rays at the ANZ Stadium on October 28.